Festive Feuding

For lots of people, Christmas is a time of happiness – a time to spend with family. Laughter, fun – children playing happily with their new toys! Images we all aspire to.

But not everyone will be happy over the Christmas period and, for some, the next few weeks will be a very sad and frightening time. Some will ask for no more than to keep themselves and their children safe until ‘normality’ returns.

Violence can erupt over the Christmas period, just as any other time of year. Sadly, as family lawyers we see an increase in the breakdown of relationships in the New Year, sometimes caused by excessive drinking when the ‘feel good state’ can quickly deteriorate to booze-fuelled arguments.

It is important to be aware that Legal Aid is available to those who need it most in these circumstances – victims of domestic violence are still able to apply for Legal Aid to help resolve difficult situations.

Gill Partington and Lynne Chambers are family lawyers, trained mediators and Trustees of Womens Aid. Our Family Department has specialist children lawyers, and we can also offer advice and assistance regarding finances.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas but for anyone who does need advice or assistance, we are here to help keep you and your children safe.